McDonald’s new Grinch Meal has quickly become one of the chain’s standout holiday promotions, sparking a frenzy online and putting added pressure on restaurant crews as customers rush to find the limited-time offering. The bright green box, inspired by Dr. Seuss’ famously grouchy character, has become a social media sensation, with videos showing overwhelmed employees and determined customers trying to secure the special meal. It debuted last week and includes Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker fries, a choice of either a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, a medium drink, and a pair of holiday socks printed with playful Grinch-themed messages in one of four assorted colors.
The chain encourages customers to pour the tangy seasoning into a McShaker bag and shake the fries for a strong dill-pickle punch, a twist that helped the promotion gain traction almost immediately. McDonald’s marketing leaders have said the Grinch Meal is performing beyond expectations, surpassing even the buzz seen during previous high-profile offerings. Employees have also taken to social media to show how the unexpected surge in demand has packed restaurants and stretched staff to keep up.
As interest grew, customers began posting about locations selling out, prompting McDonald’s to remind fans that the Grinch Meal is limited and only available while supplies last. Some restaurants, however, still have stock, with prices varying by region. The company says it prepared restaurants with extra training and staffing recommendations to handle demand and expressed excitement that the promotion has become a festive hit. The wave of enthusiasm arrives as the fast-food industry navigates consumers becoming more cautious with spending, leading McDonald’s to expand its value offerings earlier this year. Despite broader economic pressures, the Grinch Meal has given the chain a notable end-of-year boost as customers seek affordable treats and novelty experiences during the holidays.
